“I’ve never done a movie like [The 355] in my career,” she admits. “I usually make films with a lot of men and very few female leads, so this was really refreshing.” Kruger also discusses changes in the film industry now that women have greater creative control, and the fulfillment that comes from playing more nuanced characters. “At this point in my life, I’m interested in roles that show women in their complexity, in their fullness.”

Female creatives abound in this edition. Singer-actor Josie Ho explains why Hong Kong’s male-dominated film industry prompted her to launch her own production company; actor Aubrey Plaza talks about connecting with young readers in her new children’s book, a dark and twisty Christmas tale; Montreal-born artist Chloe Wise, a lover of food and hyperrealism, reflects on how her work has evolved over the last five years; and Kaia Gerber — model, actor and daughter to Cindy Crawford — opens up about the importance of self-care and listening to your body.

With the holiday season upon us, our team has assembled a local gift guide complete with clothes, accessories, beauty products and home-decor pieces from an all-Canadian lineup of brands. We also ask beauty experts to share their insider tips, tricks and must-have items for a polished look at your upcoming IRL soirees. Plus, some limited edition holiday beauty products, Dior’s elegant new makeup line, and must-have hair treatments for winter.

For those swept up in post-pandemic wanderlust, take a trip to Newfoundland’s Fogo Island Inn, a magical retreat imbued with the remote community’s rich history and way of life. And Susan Sarandon weighs in as the global brand ambassador for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. If you’d rather take it easy over the holidays, check out our roundup of the top TV shows of 2021 that you might have missed.

In fashion, this issue takes readers from the ski resort to the catwalk with the latest in alpine chic; explores how Canadian lingerie brand Fleur du Mal pairs whimsy with sexy; and dives into the backstory of the wildly successful Boyy accessories brand. We also get a glimpse of a retrospective exhibition at Montreal’s McCord Museum that delves into the androgynous, avant-garde style pioneered by Parachute.

The December-January issue of ELLE Canada will hit stands and Apple News+ on November 15, 2021.